If you are looking for affordable and unique fall day date ideas in the tri-state area, this post is for you. Each year my husband and I take a day date to a new location. I’ve compiled a list of places we have been on our dates, as well as others that I think you would love! Simple, affordable, and memorable are always at the forefront of my mind when planning day dates.
Keep reading to see if you can add one of these to your bucket list. As always, be sure to visit the sites linked for their current hours and prices. Now, let’s get to it!
1. Atchison’s Haunted Trolley Tour
Looking for something spooky? Located in Atchison, Kansas, the Haunted Trolley Tour is perfect for those who love scary tours and beautiful architecture. It runs on select weekends in October for about an hour and the tickets are very affordable. Instead of a day date with my husband, my first time on the trolley tour was with a group of “ghoul” friends. So fun!
2. Hiking Trails at Waubonsie State Park
We go here often! Waubonsie State Park, located in Southwest Iowa between Hamburg and Sidney, offers many hiking trails with gorgeous views. If you aren’t an avid hiker, the trail to the main lookout is a safe option for you. Waubonsie also offers cabins. We had my daughter’s first birthday here and it was a blast! (Far right images by @demhikingboiz on Instagram).
3. Four State Lookout on the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway
This place was gorgeous. Located in White Cloud, Kansas, the Four State Lookout offers a stunning view of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa from a platform that overlooks the Missouri River. It has been named one of 8 Wonders of Kansas. Make sure to bring your camera, and part of your day date should definitely be enjoying the scenery on the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway that runs from White Cloud to Leavenworth.
4. Brownville, Nebraska Flea Market
Who doesn’t love a flea market? At the end of September, you will find the streets of Brownville, Nebraska, lined with hundreds of craft, antique, and food vendors. The Brownville Flea Market attracts thousands of visitors from the tri-state area. My favorite thing to do for the fall flea market is pick out mums and pumpkins! This makes for the perfect day date with friends or loved ones.
5. Villisca Axe Murder House
This one might not be for everyone! But as for paranormal lovers, it was for us. The Villisca Axe Murder House, located in the small town of Villisca, Iowa, is open for day tours (seasonally) and overnight stays. Reservations are not needed for day tours. The history behind this home is quite shocking and disturbing, but history lovers and crime junkies are usually up for an experience like this one.
6. Weston Shops & Breweries
So much to see, so much to do! Weston, Missouri, is one of the best small towns in the area to spend a day trip. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway or a girl’s trip since it offers several shops, restaurants, orchards, events, and even an underground pub in an 1840’s brewery (my favorite!). I would say this might be one of the best places on the list to turn your day-date into an overnight getaway because you can easily spend two days here.
7. Arbor Day Farm Lied Lodge
One of the coolest places in Nebraska City, Nebraska, is Arbor Day Farm. It is rich in history and is also the birthplace of Arbor Day. Fall is one of the best times to visit here as it has numerous events but also trails, wine tasting, a treetop village, a discovery ride around the property, a mansion tour, and more. You can also dine on property in the Lied Lodge at the Timber’s Lodge. I personally love the wine tasting. Their Apple Raspberry wine is my favorite!
8. Explore Indian Cave State Park
Whether you are up for riding horses or would rather hit the trails, Indian Cave State Park is a great spot for a fall day date. In fact, this is where my husband took me hiking on our second date. It is full of beautiful picnicking and camping spots and it offers more than 22 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Indian Cave also features equestrian trails, fishing, hunting, boating, biking, archery, a playground, and a large sandstone cave. There is a little bit of something for everyone here, but you won’t want to miss the lookout featuring the Missouri River bottom.
9. Picnic at Duck Creek Recreation Area
This beautiful spot, located just 5 miles northwest of Peru, Nebraska, opened in the spring of 2018. Duck Creek Recreation Area is a perfect spot for a little day picnic. It is special to my heart because this was the first place we took my daughter hiking. It was on an easy trail surrounding the small 62-acre lake.
Duck Creek also has tent and RV camping, a beautiful playground area, multiple picnic tables and a shelter, grills and fire rings, and a sand beach swimming area for warm days. We love Duck Creek.
10. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge Visit
If you really want to get away from it all and spend a day observing nature, you should check out the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City, Missouri. One of the best parts? It’s free. Check out the 13-minute welcome video at the visitor contact station before observing the wildlife on the ten-mile driving tour.
This trip most likely won’t take an entire day, but hiking the trails to the top of the loess hills is one way to spend your time while you are there. Be sure to check their website for the best times to visit for particular wildlife sightings.
11. College Football Game
Fall means football season. And football season means game day! From a big D1 school like UNL to a small school like the Peru State Bobcats, attending a college football game can be a great way to spend a Saturday during the fall season. As a Northwest Bearcat alumna, I am a big fan of their Homecoming parade and other Homecoming festivities. You can’t beat the atmosphere of a college town on a game day. Am I right?
12. Haunted McInteer Villa Tour
This one is perfect for paranormal and history lovers alike. The 1889 McInteer Villa is also located in Atchison, Kansas. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is known as one of the most unique houses in Atchison.
It has been featured on The Haunted Side Paranormal True Crime YouTube show as well as several other media channels. When visiting, you have the opportunity to book a self-guided tour that allows you access throughout the house from the basement to the attic. My husband and I did this tour in 2021, and we really enjoyed it!
13. Winery Visit
Our most recent date was to Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery in Platte City, Missouri. They offer wine tastings for an affordable price as well as snacks that pair perfectly with your wine like cheese, bread, and meat. Reservations are not required here, and the atmosphere is laid back and relaxing. The landscaping around the winery is so unique! Jowler Creek is also known as Missouri’s First “Green” Vineyard and Winery.
I hope you enjoyed this brief list of fall day date ideas. If you get the chance to visit any of these places or have before, be sure to let me know on Facebook or Instagram. Also, check out my husband’s photography Instagram account for more spectacular places in the Midwest. What should I add to the list?
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